There’s something magical about a British summertime wedding, especially when set against the backdrop of the beautiful Essex countryside. For Laura and Lewis, their Gaynes Park Wedding was the epitome of countryside chic – a day that felt less like a rigid production and more like an intimate family gathering in the heart of nature.
The Love Story – From University Bars to Barcelona Heights
Laura and Lewis’ journey began at a university bar. “I was attempting to carry five drinks at once,” Laura laughs. “Lewis stepped in and asked if I needed a hand.” That simple gesture of chivalry led them across Europe to Barcelona years later.
Under the guide of a pre-dinner excursion, Lewis insisted they both climb Tibidabo for sunset. On the viewing platform, overlooking the gorgeous city of Barcelona, he proposed in front of an unexpected (but cheering) crowd of tourists.
The Vision – Wealthy Countryside Meets Old Hollywood
The couple chose Gaynes Park for their wedding venue, a stunning converted farmhouse that has a rustic, yet polished charm. Opting for an outdoor ceremony in the walled garden, Laura wanted a theme that felt organic yet elevated.
“We didn’t want to stick too tightly to one theme,” Laura explains. “We just wanted it to feel like a small, wealthy family gathering in the countryside.”
The Look: The Ultimate 90s Blowout
When it came to her beauty mood board, Laura looked to the icons of the runway. “I’ve been obsessed with 90s supermodels and Old Hollywood since I was a child,” she says. For her big day, we collaborated on a style that felt both couture yet mixed with a modern, bridal softness.
For Laura’s hair, Izabella leaned into her Brazilian roots to craft a voluminous blowout with soft, cascading waves that maintained their bounce from the garden ceremony to the final dance. For the makeup we took inspiration from the classic bombshell aesthetic and softened it for a bridal glow. By dialling back the traditional dark smoky eye and injecting plenty of radiance and glitter, we were able to achieve a look for Laura that was both red carpet ready and perfectly suited to the garden setting of Gaynes Park.
Special Moments
While the day was a beautiful blur, one moment stood out for its quiet intimacy. After the ceremony, the newlyweds stole a moment away to the grass with a drink in hand. “Just to exhale before everyone joined us – it was perfect,” Laura recalls.
Of course, no wedding is without its laughs. As Laura and Lewis walked towards the officiant to sign the legal marriage papers, Lewis nearly took a tumble over Laura’s stunning Alyssa Kristen cathedral-length veil. “In his defence, it was very long,” she admits, “but I’m still not sure how I managed to stay upright while he struggled!”
The Honeymoon: An Island Escape
Following their July nuptials, the couple jetted off to Madeira. They spent their first vacation as husband and wife enjoying the island paradise that Madeira offers, indulging in the best hotels they could find, with plenty of swimming and delicious food and drinks.
Words of Wisdom for Future Izabella Brides
Laura’s advice for those currently in the planning stages is grounded in staying present and true to yourself. She encourages brides to seek out a quiet moment alone with their partner during the day “Try to find a moment alone together during the day to just be together – however fast you think the day goes, it goes by faster!”
When it comes to picking your bridal aesthetic, she suggests giving yourself time to try on looks you may never have considered and to just have fun!
The Supplier Spotlight
A wedding this beautiful is always a team effort. Laura and Lewis’s dream team included:
- Venue: Gaynes Park: Barn Wedding Venue
- Wedding Photographer: Anesta Broad Photography
- Dress: Alyssa Kristin
- Hair & Makeup: Izabella Bordignon
Why Choose Izabella Bordignon London?
For Laura, her decision to book with us was driven by a desire for a seamless and elevated experience. After plenty of research, Laura picked Izabella because she wanted a single, expert team to manage both her hair and makeup, ensuring a cohesive look for both herself and her bridesmaids.
“I knew I wanted big blowout hair,” Laura shared, “and who better to do that than a Brazilian!” This is where our expertise truly shines; at a venue like Gaynes Park, where the transition from the airy garden ceremony to the rustic barn reception is key, you need a look that can withstand the elements without losing its polish.
The Izabella Bordignon experience begins long before the first brush stroke. From the initial consultation, our team gathers every detail to create a stress-free experience for you and your bridal party. We understand that a summer wedding requires specific techniques to ensure longevity, and Izabella’s signature approach ensures that every bride feels like the best version of themselves.
Seeing Laura’s final photos, we couldn’t be more proud of how her vision came to life.
Planning Your Gaynes Park Barn Wedding
Epping remains one of Essex’s most sought-after wedding destinations, and Gaynes Park is the crown jewel of the area. A stunningly restored farmhouse and barn complex, it provides a sense of occasion that feels both grand and incredibly intimate for civil ceremonies and wedding receptions. The venue offers a range of spaces to suit a variety of styles; from the understated elegance of the Orangery to the rustic charm of the Gather Barn, it has something to suit every wedding style.
For those who want an outdoor wedding, the walled garden is the perfect spot. Its romantic, floral-lined aisles and stunning views make it a fantastic spot for the quintessential English ceremony.
Ready to Bring your Wedding Vision to Life?
Whether you’re planning a Gaynes Park wedding or celebrating elsewhere for your special day, we’d love to help you feel a million dollars like Laura!
